Commercial and community groups
Bellevue House National Historic Site
Nestled in the city of Kingston, Bellevue House National Historic Site invites your group to experience an upper class, 1840s home, while joining in conversation about the complex legacy of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Choose from a variety of topics and experiences tailored to different learning opportunities.
Please contact the site to arrange the details of your visit.
Bellevue and beyond
This outdoor tour introduces the history and architecture of Bellevue House and its 1840s connection to John A. Macdonald. Guests then explore the historic home’s interior exhibits with an interpreter, who provides insights on Macdonald’s life and career. The tour includes one of two activities selected at booking, with guided support offered throughout the visit.
Details
Special activities:
Bellevue and beyond plus Front door/back door activity:
This dialogue-based activity engages concepts of class in Macdonald’s 1840s household and the Kingston community through facilitated discussion. An interpreter will invite group members to enter the historic house through the front or back doors based on an assigned role.
OR
Bellevue and beyond, plus Victorian gardens:
This activity takes place after visiting the historic home. Through interactive garden-based activities, the group will explore and engage with the property’s natural and built environments and will learn about relationships with the home’s historic residents. An interpreter will present heritage plant uses and planting techniques, as well as introduce nineteenth-century composting and food management.
- Adaptable for all ages and groups
- Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
Keeping up appearances
Up for a challenge?
Participate in this “Amazing Race”-style activity as you prepare for an 1840s Victorian garden party. Experience life as a cook, a maid-of-all-work, or an upper-class lady. At the end, enjoy your own homemade garden tea and shortbread cookies.
Details
- Duration: 1 hour 45 mins
- The minimum group size is 4; the maximum group size is 20
Unpacking Macdonald
Curious about Canada’s first prime minister and why there are diverse perspectives about his legacy?
Join the conversation about Sir John A. Macdonald’s life and legacy as you participate in thought provoking experiences that you will carry with you beyond your visit to Bellevue House.
Details
- Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
- The minimum group size is 2; the maximum group size is 20
Learn more about the sites facilities and accessibility features.
Customize your visit
Bellevue House is an ideal setting for enriching group experiences. Connect with our team to plan a customized guided tour tailored to your group’s interests, goals, accessibility needs, and more. We’ll work with you to create an engaging and inclusive visit that meets the needs of your organization.
Contact the site to learn more or to begin planning your visit.
Call ahead to reserve your spot or arrange a time that works!
Phone number: Phone number: 613-545-8666 ext. 208Email address: Email address: bellevue.house@pc.gc.ca
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